When I was a kid, like all children of that age, I used to play the thief and the police game with my friends in the neighbourhood. Every time we play, we used to argue over who would be the police and who would be the thief. Because for us it was great to be called a police and everyone wanted to be a police and no one wanted to be a thief! And during school days when the new academic year begins, the class monitor would be chosen and there used to be a desire in most of them to be a monitor! All of us as kids at school would have bragged about our fathers or family just to prove that we are great! And this bragging does not end with school days, as we grow into men and women, it grows within ourselves and we start feeling great or try portraying ourselves as the greatest based on our qualifications, wealth, positions, possessions, influence, caste, colour and so on. Everyone tries to feel great and show his or her greatness through their words, actions and gestures; in the home, at the office, in the church & missions and among neighbours.
Even the disciples of Jesus were not restraint from this! “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Matthew 18:1 (ESV)
Mark and Luke say that they were actually disputing and arguing among themselves, “And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.” Mark 9:33-34 (ESV) “An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.” Luke 9:46 (ESV)
The Reasons
They were actually arguing on who was the greatest for various reasons. In the NKJV Bible the disciples ask, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” So, one reason was that they could have felt threatened of their position or felt insecure because at that juncture they felt that they who follow Jesus may not be the greatest. Why did this thought might have occurred to them?
When Jesus and His disciples came to Capernaum, the temple tax collectors come and ask Peter, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” for which Peter answered “Yes”. He must have felt great that we are not under their authority. But when he came into the house Jesus saying, “we do not give offense to them” (Matthew 17:27), tells him to go and pay the tax. Peter and others who have thought that they are greater than the tax collectors, would have felt little. So they ask, “Who then is the greatest…..?” When our position is threatened or when we start feeling insecure we too have such thoughts, don’t we?? And at such times what do we do? Offend the other person! But Jesus warns in Matthew 18:7 “Woe to the world because of offense! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”
Jesus says “woe” to offenders; we should offend neither those who are threatening to us nor who are timid!
Secondly, the reason why they could have argued among themselves on who was the greatest, is by measuring their spirituality based on spiritual disciplines. A very few days back Jesus scolded them for their unbelief for not being able to heal the boy with the mute spirit. Instead of not accepting the fact that they were not able to heal the boy they were actually engaged in some sort of discussion with the scribes. [“And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”” Mark 9:16 (ESV)] Not wanting to feel embarrassed, they might have tried to give some explanation or advice! But they were caught by Jesus who also prescribed them to fast and pray. (Mark 9:29) This happened in Galilee. Now as they were walking towards Capernaum, they would have argued on who could be the greatest based on their belief and hours of fasting and praying. Many a times we too might be thinking ourselves as greater than others based on our spirituality, spiritual disciplines, the revelations from God’s word, gifts, talents, opportunities, etc. which others might lack!
Thirdly, right after Jesus explains who is the greatest John answered Him saying, ““Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:49-50 (ESV) While Jesus talks about accepting even the least[“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”Luke 9:48 (ESV)], John talks about rejecting! Rejecting another person or a group of people or a church or a mission because they might do something more than us or that which we ourselves cannot do! In verse 40 the disciples themselves could not cast out a demon and in verse 49 John says they forbade someone (who does not belong to their group) for casting out a demon in Jesus’ name! Why? Because only they wanted to be known as the greatest! They thought that because they were with Jesus Himself only they had the rights to do miracles! We might also think that we are great because of our associations with people in high places!
Fourthly, we might try to seek greatness through someone who is influential. The mother of James & John comes and approaches Jesus asking Him to grant that her sons may sit at both His sides in His kingdom. (Matthew 20:20-28) Seeking greatness, we too might try to procure that through our parents or relatives or friends who are close to the top order, who are influential. Or because our friend or parent or relative is the boss or the chief, we might feel that we are great and might try to misuse that influence!
Who then is the greatest in God’s kingdom?
In all the above verses Jesus points out to at least three characteristics of greatness.
The humble. “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 (ESV) He is not only the greatest, Jesus says only such a person can enter God’s kingdom. (Matthew 18:3)
The servant hearted. “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.””Mark 9:35 (ESV) and “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” Matthew 20:26-27 (ESV) And the servant will not be proud of his accomplishments, but rather as Jesus said: “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”Luke 17:10 (ESV)
The compassionate & considerate. “and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Luke 9:48 (ESV)They are great who give importance to the least; the seemingly insignificant people and the timid.
Paul beautifully sums it all up in his epistle to the Philippians,
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (compassion & considerate). Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…” Philippians 2:3-9 (ESV)
Humility, Servanthood and Compassion is Greatness!
There are times in our life when we feel useless or worthless. Especially when we serve the Lord and when we try to consolidate our efforts and start feeling low, because of no tangible results in ministry. Then we start making plans without God’s guidance and direction. There are also times when you start feeling that “I was better off in the previous place” or “I could do better if I move to another place”. It was pretty much the same kind of a phase I was going through in my life some five years back. Then, I was as a missionary, serving the Lord in a place called Dhanbad (Jharkhand), the coal capital of India. My partner had left and I was alone. Only then I realized how important it is to serve the Lord in teams of two – Jesus’ pattern,
“And He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” Mark 6:7 (ESV)
And king Solomon too said about this,
“For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:10 (ESV)
Though we had toiled in that place for four years, there were no great evidential results to quantify or consolidate the ministry, though many gathered in the special meetings and there was a regular flow of youth and adults in the prayer cells. After the other brother left, I was alone and and I was in a transition phase. I was preparing myself to move. That was the last week of my stay in that place. And in that week I had three encounters which influenced me to the extent of changing my perspective of measuring the results of one’s ministry.
Musing the music meet
This happened in the last month of my stay in Dhanbad. One person came to my home and introduced himself as a doctor who had a clinic of his own. I could recognize that clinic. He was directed to my home by someone to whom he had enquired for a Christian bookstore/CD shop. He was a Hindu, but liked to listen to Christian songs. This influence was through one of his relatives who was in the West, who had sent him one Christian song album. His music loving daughter too took into it. So, he came asking for music CDs. Though I was not having any Book/CD store, I took this opportunity to give him all my personal collections of Christian songs in English and Hindi. He took me to his home and copied them all and later returned them to me. He visited me every week and took me to his home. Though I couldn’t share much with him, I just shared the testimony of my salvation.
Considering the changed countenance
This incident too happened in the same month. I went to the study centre of a University to enquire about a course for one of our staff who was in the HQ. Since the receptionist could not answer my query, he directed me to meet with the Director. I went to meet him and discussed with him all about the course. Then he enquired about me. I told him that I was a Christian missionary. Immediately his countenance changed and he became very sad. He started to share about that which had been a matter of concern and botheration for him for a very long time. His son was terminally ill with a rare disease and he had taken him to so many hospitals. He asked me to pray for him and gave me his card.
Trailing the tape trip
On another day, I heard the door bell ring and when I answered the door, there was a man in his forties, neatly dressed standing outside. He asked for me and understanding that he had come seeking me, I invited him in. He introduced himself as a Professor and said that he had come to know of me through one of his students. This student of his was attending our weekly prayer fellowship. Saying that he wanted to talk to me, he called me to his home. So he took me in his car. When I sat in the car, he started talking.
“Please listen to this tape”, he said and played a tape in his car. “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus…..” It was the Luke’s gospel that was playing.
“I got this from a team of people whom I met on the road some five years back. They had come in a vehicle and were distributing this for free to all the passers by”, he said. Then he continued, “I have been listening to this tape, over and over again for five years and whenever I listen to it, I feel peace within myself. When I am low and when I feel disturbed, I listen to it and it brings me peace. Earlier I used to carry so many other tapes in my car – music and religious. But after some time I discarded them all and this is the only tape which is in my car now. I also take it out of my car and play it at my home.
After a long time, I understood that this is about Jesus and to do with Christianity. I wanted to know more, but always hesitated to go to a church. And I have been looking for someone who could tell me more about Jesus. Quite recently I realized by her name that this student of mine is a Christian and I asked her to tell me. It was then she said that she will not be able to explain me well and she gave me your address.”
By that time we had reached his home. He was living in quite a posh locality. His wife and son were there. His wife brought me some snacks and we sat to talk. Including that day I could meet with him on only one more day and I had to leave, which opportunity I took to talk about the Gospel.
Close consideration
All of these three incidents happened in the last month of my stay in Dhanbad and left a permanent imprint in my mind. I haven’t had so dramatic encounters so far in the four years and when I had them I was leaving that place. I learnt many truths through these incidents,
First, many a times we can never quantify our efforts & results in ministry. We need to just keep doing what God has called us for, faithfully & diligently. We may be playing a part of the role in a person’s search for the Truth. God sends different people in a person’s life to bring him or her into His fold. We might be in the beginning or in the middle or at the end of the continual influence in a person’s life which leads him to make that decision for Christ.
So, no effort, big or small, is a waste in God’s kingdom. All counts!
And no one (minister) or no ministry is big or small. We all are His servants, called to fulfil His purpose in His own way and in His time, for His glory!
But this doesn’t mean that we can be lazy! Laziness and complacency is no excuse!
Secondly, even when we see (or atleast presume according to our standards of measurement) that there are no fruits in ministry, we should not be discouraged and that should not be the ultimate reason for our joy. Because it has two dangers. One, we will be utterly discouraged when there is no fruit and we will be totally carried away with the great results of our ministry that our focus will shift from pleasing God to the pleasure of performance.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
Thirdly, the work of the gospel is a command and a commission that we have received from the Lord and we cannot take pride or glory in the accomplishment of it at any level. Our attitude needs to be that of a servant of whom Jesus says,
“Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Luke 17:9-10 (ESV)
David Livingston, the missionary to Africa rightly said, “If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honour, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?” This is missionary spirit!
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 (ESV)
When we serve God joyfully, fulfilling His will, in His own way He will satisfy us, not through tangible things, but through His Spirit in our spirit. He will be our JOY and INHERITANCE.
Let us continue to serve God not seeking earthly rewards, but heavenly rewards that are eternal.
Fourthly, we need to wait for God’s timing in ministry. We should never be frustrated when we see no results or less results. Ministering in a mission or in our offices, quite often we may not see great results; dramatic change in people; but be assured that Heaven holds surprises for each and everyone of us, who obey His Great Commission! So when I say time, it is of two-fold. One, we might be at a particular mission field or in an individual’s life, where it is the harvest time and might enjoy the fruits. Second, the time or day of seeing or knowing the results might be kept for us only at the end of days, when all things will be revealed. “each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 1 Corinthians 3:13 (ESV)
And above all, though we are called to minister, God uses every instance of our ministry to minister to us! The messages that we preach, the articles or poems that we write, the people whom we meet, the places that we visit, the situations that we go through, all of it is primarily meant to transform us like Him! When we touch others lives, our lives too get touched and transformed.
Let us not try to seek worth from what we do for the Lord! Let us always be reminded of our wretchedness and Christ’s (His alone) worthiness! Our worth is not because of who we are or because of what we do, but our worth is in Christ , as we are washed in His blood and worship Him and work for His glory and wait for His coming!
Let us stop feeling worthless because nothing dramatic happens in ministry. We are worthless by the right definition of the Bible!
Let us join with Paul (who even counts his sacrifices as rubbish) and say, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
When this truth sinks into us, we will not be concerned of our worth; will not be troubled when people do not value us and will not give unnecessary worthiness to godmen and we will find our worth in Christ and will never steal the worth that belongs to Him alone!
There was this tiny lizard that was going around my office desk. Though all lizards are active, this small one was extremely active. Probably it was its first day out! It was climbing everywhere, on the desk, over the curtains, on my bag, over my books. I was working on my computer and out of nowhere this tiny lizard came again and climbed on my laptop. It seemed not to be noticing me! Or probably was ignoring me! It was not frightened of me either! After it happily climbed over my laptop, and as I tried to chase it away, it went over the monitor and then immediately jumped on the desk and went away, as if to show that it was not interested seeing the plain words that I were typing in Microsoft Word! I think, it wanted some colours – vibrant ones!
Even human children are like this, aren’t they? I am reminded of Asher the son of my H.O.D. His mother works as the Secretary to our Director. He is a child of four years and right after his school he runs to his mother’s office. When our director is in his office, Asher would freely enter his office not heeding to his mother’s warning and would start his bla-bla’s. His mother has to go in to the Director’s office and take him away. He is the only one who seems to be not alarmed by the Director's presence. Because others who would walk in to meet his secretary, would hesitate when he is in his office.
Sometimes he would walk into his office, when there is a serious discussion and his mother would scold him. And his face would shrink, out of sadness.
And he won’t be concentrated on anything in particular for a long time. His interests keep changing. The only thing which I have seen him concentrating for a long time, is when he watches a cartoon show. One time he would be playing with his toy gun and the very next moment he would want to go out and play with someone. That which would have amused him for a while would have become boring the next instant. He always wants to experience new things. And he is also very curious. He keeps asking about everything – right from a sharpener to a stapler and he would also take them in his hands to feel it and would try to operate it. When he takes a stapler, he is scolded, because he is ignorant that he could hurt himself with that.
Many a times, we are also like that tiny lizard and Asher. Struck by curiosity, we too want to experience everything. The curiosity that begins with the sharpener goes onto sex. Like the tiny lizard, we would like to go to every new place to find fulfilment. And when Godly people counsel us, it would seem unnecessary for us. Like Asher, we too at many times are unaware of God’s presence, who watches everything that we do.
“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)
But when we give into our curiosity drive and tread deeper and deeper into it, we would only find that there is no end. That which might seem satisfying today would appear boring after some days and we want something new, to feed our curiosity and satisfaction. So there begins the chase for satisfaction – from pornography to a few puffs to booze to drugs to pre-marital sex and at last ADDICTED! Hooked forever! What remains? GUILT & SHAME! And we not only hurt ourselves, we hurt others, our loved ones and ultimately God!
The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” Psalm 119:1 (ESV)
If you find yourselves treading the path of curiosity that is leading you to sin, pray to God,
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law (the Bible).” Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37 (ESV)
And if you think that you are beyond redemption, cheer up.There is a way!
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
“the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations….” (2 Peter 2:9)
Because we have a God who understands us and is wiling to provide us a way of escape. But we need to come to Him,
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)
Prayer:
Jesus, my curiosity has led me to careless indulgence in sinful pleasures. Show me a way of escape and deliver me from this bondage. Make me free of guilt and shame, so that I can live for your name. Save me from abase and sustain me by your grace! I decide from now on to stay pure and undefiled. Lord help me to not waver in my decision. Holy Spirit, help me in my times of weakness and give me the strength to overcome sinful curiosities and temptations. Amen.
Many a times, we hesitate to share the gospel of the kingdom of God, because we lack the understanding of its profoundness and greatness. Once a friend of mine brought me a fruit drink, which I drank for the first time in my life. It was butter fruit and it was wow! And ever since I prescribe it to all, without any hesitation. A deeper understanding of God’s kingdom helps us to proclaim it with all boldness.
Jesus shared so much about the kingdom of heaven and in Matthew chapter 13, He compares it with so many things, so that we might understand its significance – what it is and what it can do in our lives and that of the others.
The least becomes the greatest
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV)
However insignificant our work of the gospel and the efforts in establishing kingdom of God might appear or be, it will grow to greater heights. Probably the people among whom we are might seem powerful and great to us, that we might fear sharing the Kingdom’s gospel to them. Cheer up and gear up, even as you continue to share it, the kingdom of heaven will grow so big that it will become refuge to all the people around you. And if you think least of yourself, be strong, even as you continue to have a relationship with God, you will become great that God will make you a refuge for others.
The hidden influences
He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” Matthew 13:33 (ESV)
Again, however small and hidden God’s kingdom & its work might be, it will influence all who come in contact with it. And it has the power to transform everyone it touches. May be your work is small, but it will influence. You might be weak and powerless, but the kingdom of heaven and the gospel is powerful. And when that kingdom is in you, you become powerful too – to transform others, for God.
The hidden & unseen brings joy
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44 (ESV)
For someone who sees from the outside, peripherally, the kingdom of heaven is unattractive and he doesn’t understand its value. It’s value is understood only by those who dig deep enough to see & understand its worth. The one who experiences that, experiences great joy; that he would be willing to give everything away, to sacrifice anything, to retain that joy.
The great price pearl
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)
Kingdom of heaven is found by the one who seeks – who seeks after the Truth. He is a noble seeker, who seeks after the greatest. And if his pursuit is true & genuine, it will end in God’s kingdom – in him knowing Jesus Christ. Because nothing else is greater than kingdom of heaven and no one is greater than Jesus. And when he finds this Pearl of great price, he will be willing to give away all the other lesser ones – the religious, philosophical, ideological, traditional, cultural, academic, monetary, relational pearls.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to safeguard and share the joy that I received through receiving Your kingdom in my life.
Help me to value Your kingdom greater than everything else, which I sought and found.
Understanding that Your kingdom is the greatest, help me not to look at the insignificance of my present work, but to continue to do Your work knowing & believing that it will grow bigger one day and will be the refuge for all.
However small might be my part in the kingdom’s work and however powerless I might feel about myself, Lord help me to always understand that Your kingdom & the gospel has the power to influence & transform all who it touches.
